By the way, doctor: Is it a health mistake not to drink?
Is it a health mistake not to drink?
Q. I started drinking half a glass of red wine in the early evening, particularly Pinot Noir since it's said to have a higher than normal concentration of resveratrol, generally adding blueberry juice to fill the glass. But I had to stop because I didn't like the wine's effect on me — slight problems with motor coordination, grogginess, and sleepiness. Should I be worried that so little alcohol had such a strong effect on me? Am I making a mistake by abandoning the use of alcohol, given its reputed health benefits?
A. Drinking moderate amounts of any type of alcoholic beverage — one drink a day for women, and up to two a day for men — does seem to lower the risk for heart disease and the most common type of stroke. Some doctors say that certain alcoholic drinks — red wine often comes up — are more heart-healthy than others because they contain more antioxidants like the resveratrol you mentioned. I'm not convinced, though, that any one type of alcohol-containing drink is superior to the others.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.